How much does Hot tub installation cost?

Imagine coming home after a long, tough day, and sinking into a warm, bubbling, outdoor hot tub—maybe even with family or friends. If a little luxurious whirlpool hydrotherapy sounds good to you, you may be thinking of installing a hot tub on your deck, patio, or at poolside. 

New hot tubs, also called spas, fall into 3 main categories: inflatable, above-ground, and in-ground (or “built-in”). 

Inflatable hot tubs are by far the least expensive. These “plug and play” portable hot tubs can be bought online or at retail stores for $100–1,200. Setting them up can be a DIY project, or you can hire a handyperson for $40–80 per hour for a few hours of work. Though relatively inexpensive, inflatable spas are short on features and durability—a typical warranty period of 1 year illustrates how long they may last. 

In this article, you’ll get a close look at the costs of having a hot tub installation professional install a more permanent above-ground or in-ground spa.

The national average cost for hot tub installation falls between $2,500–8,000, including materials and labor. This price range is wide because of the many sizes, shapes, styles, and options available. 

The most common type of hot tub is an above-ground spa. These spas are prefabricated in many shapes, styles, and materials, have many optional features, and can even be custom-made. Costs breakdown as follows:

Total cost with labor. Most above-ground hot tubs consist of an acrylic shell over a core of resin and fiberglass. The average cost of an above-ground, prefabricated, acrylic hot tub falls in the $2,500–8,000 range, including installation by the dealer. A 10-year warranty is common.

Labor alone. When not included in the sales price, labor costs for installing above-ground models range from $250–900. Most models weigh 400–1,000 pounds when empty. Moving a hot tub into place can require 2–6 people, or even a crane, depending on its size. 

Concrete pad cost. When filled with water, above-ground hot tubs weigh 2,000–6,000 pounds. For this reason, they’re typically placed on a concrete slab that provides a strong, level surface. Having a concrete contractor pour a concrete pad can cost $1,200–3,500. 

Electrical hookups. An electrician may be needed to hook up electrical wiring that supplies hot tub control boards, pumps, filtration systems, lighting, and heating elements. Electricians usually charge $50–100 per hour for their time, or an average of $200–600 to connect a hot tub to existing wiring.

Other electrical costs. If electrical service isn’t available, a new 220-volt branch circuit, subpanel, GFCI (circuit-breaker) outlet, and wire that runs to the hot tub area will cost $750–2,000. 

Gas hookups. Hot tubs with a gas heater require a plumber for the gas supply hookup. Expect a service call by a licensed plumber to cost $100–300, a flat fee that may include the first hour of work, or $60–140 per hour for a job that could take 2–3 hours.

In-ground spas are always built to order, generally by pool contractors. They’re a common choice for homes with in-ground pools, because they’re often built at the same time as the swimming pool and can take advantage of some of the equipment, such as a filter. Homeowners often choose to integrate a new hot tub and swimming pool into their yard’s landscaping and hardscaping.

The average cost of a built-in hot tub is $5,000–15,000+. Expect a 10-year (or longer) warranty by the contractor. 

These variables will affect the total cost of above-ground or in-ground hot tub installation. 

These tactics might help save you some money when buying a hot tub.

How much does it cost to have a small hot tub installed?

For an above-ground hot tub, prices typically range from $2,500–8,000, depending on its size and features. Small 2- or 4-person, prefabricated, above-ground spas can be purchased and installed for around $700–4,000, making them an affordable option for those wanting an entry-level model. 

Does a hot tub increase home value?

While a hot tub doesn’t typically increase the sales price of your property, having one can be an incentive to a potential buyer. A person with a soft spot for home-improvement luxuries like jacuzzis or spas might be more inclined to purchase a home with one already installed. 

How much does it cost to run a 220 line for a hot tub?

Hiring an electrician generally starts at $50–100 per hour. Some will quote you a price for the whole job after viewing your location and assessing the work involved. Electrical installations for a 220-volt line to a hot tub generally run in the $750–2,000 range.

Find a hot tub professional in your area.